Free-standing very-large-capacity flexible modular tool and material holder selectively mountable atop a step ladder

ABSTRACT

A tool and material holder fitting to the top of a step ladder has selectable detachable panels having and presenting an extremely large number of variously selectable pockets, cavities, loops, clips, hangers, hooks and the like which securely hold a great variety of power and hand tools, caulking guns, paint brushes and paint pads. The holder is stiffened by internal tubes and sheet preferably made from strong shape-retentive plastic, and will stand upright upon the floor. A major loop maintained open by an insert with a shape memory holds a large paint pail, bucket or can, and is optionally re-sizable to hold one or two smaller cans. A shallow reservoir on a top panel overlying the top step of the step ladder has a magnetic bottom for conveniently holding small ferrous items. A detachable strap and shoulder harness permits great loaded weight to be conveniently and safely carried.

RELATION TO A RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] The present patent application is related as a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/735,029 filed on Dec. 11, 2000 for a FLEXIBLE TRUNCATED-PYRAMIDALLY-SHAPED TOOL AND MATERIAL HOLDER WITH A DISTENDED PAINT PAIL POUCH FOR REMOVABLE USE ATOP A STEP LADDER to the same inventor as the present application. The contents of the related patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally concerns holders, removably mountable to ladders and step ladders, of paint cans and tools and like implements for use by painters and electricians and other individuals when, in the course of their work, these persons stand on ladders and step ladders. The present invention is directed at a convenient means for carrying and organizing and holding various work supplies and work implements in proximity to work conducted by a tradesman from a ladder or step ladder.

[0004] The present invention particularly concerns flexible tool and paint pail holders that removably mount atop step ladders so that a workman (i) may conveniently transport tools and supplies, including paint, to the ladder within a holder, (ii) may easily and securely mount a holder to the ladder, (iii) may have convenient access to tools and supplies held within the holder while standing on the ladder, and (iv) may at any time replenish any tools or supplies within the holder with minimum disruption.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art Ladders have been employed since their inception to place a worker into proximity to an elevated surface or article that needs be physically manipulated, such as for purposes of painting, plumbing, wiring etc. Of the several well-known styles of ladders available, a step-ladder consists of (i) a fixed ladder member which is joined to (ii) a supporting member having dimensions and construction similar to that of the fixed ladder portion but designed primarily as a support. The (i) fixed ladder member and the (ii) supporting member are joined by a suitable hinge, transverse to the long axis of both members, such that the ladder member and support member may be opened with respect to one another, forming thereby an essentially A-frame configuration. A top step is usually provided at the external apex of the “A”.

[0006] This step ladder provides the ability to elevate ones-self in the absence of a fence, wall or other structure normally required when using a fixed ladder alone. It is to users of the step-ladder which the present invention is directed, but the principles of the present invention, particularly in the aspect of its paint pail pouch, are anticipated to be useful on the other types of ladders as well, and it would be unnecessarily restrictive to view the particular application of the present invention to step ladders as is taught within this specification as being delimitive of the invention.

[0007] One of the problems individuals who find themselves on ladders regularly encounter is that they must prevent themselves from falling from the ladder while performing the task at hand. Additionally, a variety of hand-implements are often required to carry out various tasks to their completion. From a statistical standpoint, the probability of an individual having a mishap varies directly as the number of times an individual goes up and down from the ladder in connection with a job. Therefore, if it were possible to minimize the number of up-and-down trips an individual was required to make in the normal course of carrying out tasks from a ladder, then the probability of a mishap could be accordingly minimized.

[0008] One way to minimize the number of up-and-down trips required to carry out a task is to provide every tool and/or material needed for a given job in close proximity to the location atop the ladder where the worker is situated. However, while the prior art contains many different types of devices aimed at this end, none has been successful in design both so as to be (i) ergonomically effective, and (ii) sufficiently cost-effective of manufacture so as to be widely adopted.

[0009] A review of some of the criteria that a ladder, or stepladder, tool holder would desirably realize is useful. Flexible and removable, fabric-type, holders seemingly offer a large holding capacity, but these holders tend not to maintain a defined volume, and are subject to collapsing inward. This is adverse in that even a loaded holder should be capable of being slipped into position on or atop a step ladder by use of but one hand, making that the holder must maintain itself open and ready to receive mounting upon the step ladder. Moreover, a holder removed from a ladder mounting should not slump or collapse so completely that held objects such as tools become dislodged.

[0010] An optimally commodious tool holder would seemingly best make good use of every one of the five exterior surfaces of defined by the volume in the shape of a truncated four-sided pyramid at the top of a step ladder. Use of the substantially flat top surface to the step ladder is immediately problematic. Should this surface be left unencumbered so that it may be stood upon, or should it be adapted for holding objects or things?

[0011] Finally, the retention of paint cans and pails both large and small is potentially challenging to flexible fabric holders, especially as these containers and their contents would desirably be held level.

[0012] Attempts to solve these challenges are shown in various issued United States patents.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,419 to Campagna, et al. for a LADDER POUCH shows an elongate, flexible sheet having a first end, a midpoint, a second end, a first side, and a second side. A first engagement structure, such as hook and pile fastening material, is located on the first side of the elongate, flexible sheet between the midpoint and the first end. A second engagement structure, complimentary with the first engagement structure, is located on the second side of the sheet proximate its second end. Multiple pockets are disposed on or integral with the first side of the sheet. The pockets can be open-mouthed or include covering flaps.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,383 to Armstrong for a LADDER SADDLE DEVICE shows a holder device containing various work implements designed for use by workers who regularly use ladders.

[0015] The device holds the implements in such fashion as to be ergonomically accessible while maintaining a reduced center of gravity and hence increased stability of the ladder/device combination as a whole. Use of this device is claimed to increase safety while being cost-effective enough in its construction to be readily employed by workers in various crafts and professions.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,101 to Taggart for an ADAPTABLE CARRIER APPARATUS shows a tool and material carrier adaptable for use on a variety of platforms such as four and three legged step ladders, extension ladders, universal or hinged ladders, platform ladders, scaffolding and the like. The carrier is made of a foldable body which conforms to various platform deigns. A multiple strap system having quick lock and release connectors secures the carrier to the various platforms. The front of the body includes a multi-tiered system of pouches and holders for tools and materials. The rear of the body includes additional pouches or holders. The carrier includes a holster for gun shaped tools. An electric cord holder provided with or separately from the carrier holds an electric cord close to the working elevation of the platform. The electric cord holder includes a foldable strap having two portions which are mated when the strap is folded to form an opening smaller than the head of an electric cord to secure the electric cord between the two portions. Modular, task-specific, attachments to the carrier provide additional versatility such as an attachable mud pan and mud knife holder or an attachable butane torch holder.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,437 to Weller for a FREE-STANDING LADDER SUPPORTED TOOL HOLDER concerns a non-obstructive tool holder which holds tools on a free-standing ladder, e.g. a step-ladder. The tool holder is configured so avoid obstruction of normal use of the free-standing ladder. The tool holder has a skirt including a front side sheet, a rear side sheet, a left side sheet, and a right side sheet connected together at sides thereof to form a generally tubular structure having a top opening and a bottom opening. The skirt narrows towards the top thereof. The front side sheet, the rear side sheet, the right side sheet, and the left side sheet each are made of a substantially flat but flexible material. The sides include pockets, and/or other supports, for holding tools. The top opening exposes the top platform of the ladder. A handle extends across the top opening, the bottom of the handle rests on the top platform of the free-standing ladder so that the top platform will remain unobstructed in normal use of the free-standing ladder. In addition, the front side sheet is shortening and includes an elastic portion whereby the use of the ladder is further unobstructed.

[0018] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,453 to Cassells for a MULTI-PURPOSE LADDER APRON shows a multi-purpose ladder utility apron having four side panels, each adapted with a plurality of tool and accessory receptacles. The apron further includes a fold up storage tray on the ladder's top providing additional temporary storage space. Closure flaps and straps secure the apron to the ladder whether in its open or closed position such that the subject invention may be secured to the ladder during use, transport and storage and may be quickly removed for laundering. An optional lid is also pivotally attached to the apron and folds out to provide a work shelf. The apron's design accommodates use of the ladder's own fold-down shelf and permits use of all steps without sacrificing storage space for tools and the like. The apron may still further be adapted with a power receptacle so that power tools can easily be interchanged without disengaging the extension cord.

[0019] The prior art in general variously shows ladder-mounted tool holders with various accommodations to holding and supporting various special things, mostly tools and materials. The mode and manner by which an economically-constructed flexible fabric-based tool holder might reliably function both on and off a ladder, and particularly a step ladder, could, however, use improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention of a FREE-STANDING VERY-LARGE-CAPACITY FLEXIBLE MODULAR TOOL AND MATERIAL HOLDER SELECTIVELY MOUNTABLE ATOP A STEP LADDER is an extension to the related invention of a FLEXIBLE TRUNCATED-PYRAMIDALLY-SHAPED TOOL AND MATERIAL HOLDER WITH A DISTENDED PAINT PAIL POUCH FOR REMOVABLE USE ATOP A STEP LADDER which related invention is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/735,029 filed on Dec. 11, 2000.

[0021] The related invention contemplates a flexible and collapsible multi-pocket truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder for removable use atop a step ladder, which holder is improved in the present invention for being, inter alia, (1) stiffened for free-standing use when removed from the ladder; (2) modular, with “snap lock”, or “hook and loop”, removable pockets and holders; (3) quickly securely mountable to the step ladder by use of straps; and (4) with an upper surface tray, or trough, improved in contour and for containing a magnet.

[0022] The tool and material holder of the present invention retains the considerable capacity, and flexibility, of the tool and material holder of the related previous invention while enhancing and extending parameters of (1) use, (2) configurability and tailerability, and (3) safety.

[0023] For example, while retaining a tremendous capacity suitable to securely contain even a five gallon paint can, the improved tool 5 and material holder of the present invention may now be (1) used in a free-standing mode off the step ladder, and in diverse environments. Use and capacity of a top tray, or trough, is also improved. The improved tool and material holder of the present invention is (2a) selectively configurable with diverse “quick attach—quick detach” pockets and holders of diverse types for holding the specialty tools and materials of all building and other trades using step ladders. Moreover, even such attached elements as are selectively configured and fitted may be (2b) tailored and reconfigured during use, particularly in the element of a large pouch that is both openable to hold a five gallon bucket and that may be cinched in a central region to form two smaller, but still ample, pouches.

[0024] The improved tool and material holder of the present invention is (3) safely and stably held in position atop a step ladder by a quick-attach, quick-release mechanism consisting of, most preferably, straps and buckles. Use of the uppermost, top, step for standing—which is contraindicated practice for optimum user safety—is more effectively precluded by a new, higher, upper surface edge flaring defining a central tray, or trough. Such small parts and tools as are subject to magnetic attraction are more successfully precluded from unsafely rolling off the tool and material holder, and the step ladder, by one or more embedded magnets.

[0025] Moreover, it will be understood by an expert in construction, and in ladders, safety practices and procedures that the primary contribution to safety accorded by the improved tool and material holder of the present invention is that its copious capacity, and, due to modularity, its basically infinite flexibility, preclude that a user of a stepladder should have to make constant trips up and down the ladder—which trips are unavoidably more hazardous then simply remaining perched on the ladder—to retrieve tools and/or materials. The improved tool and material holder of the present invention may be loaded with diverse tools and materials at ground level, elevated onto the top of a step ladder, and secured to thereafter serve as a very complete, and easily accessible, source of all tools and materials thereafter needed atop the step ladder in the performance of even extensive, and protracted, tasks.

[0026] The modular construction of the tool and materials holder supports where desired the replacement of an entire pre-loaded pouch as opposed to filling an empty pouch of the holder while on the ladder. For example, pouches of the toll and material holder that hold nails may become dirty and contaminated with debris, and, with suitably small top openings so as to permit ready access to bunched nails within, difficult and demanding to clean and fill atop the ladder. With the tool and material holder of the present invention pouches holding nails, and more, may be conveniently cleaned and pre-loaded in relative safety at ground level, and subsequently carried onto the ladder, and attached to the tool and material holder, several at a time.

[0027] The improved tool and material holder of the present invention in particular supports building tradesmen including, among others, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and dry wallers.

[0028] 1. A Free-Standing Ladder Apron

[0029] Accordingly, in one of its aspects the present invention is embodied in a device for holding various tools and materials at an apex of a step ladder.

[0030] The preferred embodiment of the device has a body in the substantial shape of a hollow, truncated, open-bottom substantially-pyramidally-shaped frustrum. This frustrum has four substantially-vertical flexible side walls and a top surface. The body so shaped is suitable to be mounted and retained by force of gravity at the apex of a step ladder.

[0031] The preferred embodiment of the device also has tool and material receptacles, suitable to accept and hold tools and materials and the like. These receptacles are mounted to at least some of the four side walls. They therein serve to make the body serve as a ladder apron when mounted at the apex of the step ladder.

[0032] Still further, the preferred embodiment of the device also has stiffening members in its flexible walls sufficient to permit that the body, with tool and material receptacles mounted to at least some of its four side walls, should remain upright, any contents of the tool and material receptacles should remain accessible, when the body is taken off the step ladder and set upon a level surface.

[0033] The body preferably consists of fabric, and the stiffening members plastic within the fabric. The fabric is more preferably canvas and the plastic within the fabric is more preferably plastic sheet material.

[0034] The tool and material receptacles are preferably removably detachably mountable to, and demountable from, the body. They are preferably enabled to so function by quick release fasteners upon the at least one side wall of the body, and also upon the tool and material receptacles, for removably detachably mounting and demounting the tool and material receptacles to and from the body. The most preferred quick release fasteners are snaps.

[0035] Multiple different tool and material receptacles suitable to hold multiple different tools and materials mount may be mounted to the same position upon at the least some of the four side walls, and more preferably on many, or even all four, of the side walls.

[0036] In detail, the preferred body includes (i) a rectangularly-shaped, substantially horizontal, top panel having pairs of opposed first and second edges; (ii) trapezoidally-shaped, substantially vertical, first and second side panels each connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed first edges of the top panel, and suitable to mount at least one receptacle; (iii) a rectangularly-shaped, substantially vertical, ladder-step-facing and front-facing panels each connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed second edges of the top panel, connected at two side edges to, respectively, the first and the second side panel, and suitable to mount at least one receptacle; and (iv) a loop member extending substantially level with the top panel from where the top panel joins with the first side panel and the front-facing panel in an arc to where the top panel joins with the second side panel and the front-facing panel, so as to form a loop into which a paint can is suitably entered and held.

[0037] This loop member preferably include (i) a shape memory stiffening element for maintaining the arc of the loop into which the paint can is suitably entered and held even when the paint can is not present, (ii) a down-hanging skirt protecting and securing a cylindrical surface of a paint can entered into, and held by, the loop member, and/or (iii) a substantially vertical strip of a first type of hook-and-loop fabric while the front-facing panel has a complimentary substantially-vertical strip of a second type of hook-and-loop fabric that is complimentary to the first type. By this relationship (iii), when the strips of the down-hanging skirt and of the front panel are manually pressed together then they will hold along their lengths, dividing a major arc of the loop member into two smaller arcs each of which is suitable to receive and to hold a paint can of appropriate size.

[0038] The most preferred device further has, when used on a step ladder with a top step at its apex, a peripheral rim upon the top surface of the body. This peripheral rim is (i) sufficiently high so as to form an open-topped reservoir in which can be placed nails and screws and other small things without jeopardy that they will role off the device (and the step ladder to which the device is mounted). Meanwhile, a magnet is located within the top panel at the base of the open-topped reservoir, there producing a magnetic field helping to retain small magnetically-attractable objects within the reservoir.

[0039] Still further, the most preferred device in accordance with the present invention has a connectable and disconnectable strap fitting somewhere under a top step of a step ladder when the body is mounted to the apex of the step ladder. When connected, this strap secures the body to the step ladder at the apex of the step ladder.

[0040] 2. A Modular Ladder Apron

[0041] In another of its aspects the present invention is embodied in a modular device for holding various things at an apex of a step ladder.

[0042] The device includes a body in the substantial shape of a hollow, truncated, open-bottom substantially-pyramidally-shaped frustrum. The frustrum has four substantially-vertical flexible side walls and a top surface. The body so shaped is suitable to be mounted and retained by force of gravity at the apex of a step ladder.

[0043] The device further has detachably removable tool and material receptacles, suitable to accept and hold tools and materials and the like, detachably removably mounted to at least some of the body's four side walls. The receptacles therein serve when attached to the body to make a from of ladder apron when the body is mounted at the apex of the step ladder.

[0044] The body of the device preferably includes stiffening members in its flexible walls. These stiffening members are sufficient to permit that the body, with tool and material receptacles mounted to at least some of its four side walls, should remain upright, with any contents of the tool and material receptacles accessible, when taken off the step ladder and set upon a level surface.

[0045] The body is preferably made of fabric, and more preferably canvas, while the stiffening members preferably consist of plastic within the fabric, and more preferably of plastic sheet material.

[0046] The device preferably has quick release fasteners located upon at least one side wall of the body, and also upon the tool and material receptacles, for detachably removably mounting and demounting the tool and material receptacles to and from the body. The preferred quick release fasteners are snaps.

[0047] The device is not only modular, but, preferably, multiple different tool and material receptacles which are suitable to hold multiple different tools and materials are detachably removably mountable to the same position upon at the least some of the four side walls. Thereby the device is configurable, and reconfigurable.

[0048] In detail, the body is preferably configured as (i) a rectangularly-shaped, substantially horizontal, top panel having pairs of opposed first and second edges; (ii) trapezoidally-shaped, substantially vertical, first and second side panels each connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed first edges of the top panel, and each suitable to mount at least one receptacle; (iii) rectangularly-shaped, substantially vertical, ladder-step-facing and front-facing panels each connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed second edges of the top panel, connected at two side edges to, respectively, the first and the second side panel, and suitable to mount at least one receptacle; and (iv) a loop member extending substantially level with the top panel from where the top panel joins with the first side panel and the front-facing panel in an arc to where the top panel joins with the second side panel and the front-facing panel, so as to form a loop into which a paint can is suitably entered and held.

[0049] This loop member preferably includes (1) a shape memory stiffening element for maintaining the arc of the loop into which the paint can is suitably entered and held even when the paint can is not present, and (2) a down-hanging skirt protecting and securing a cylindrical surface of a paint can entered into, and held by, the loop member, with (2a) a substantially vertical strip of a first type of hook-and-loop fabric. In this variant embodiment the front-facing panel includes (2b) a substantially vertical strip of a second type of hook-and-loop fabric complimentary to the first type. By this construction when the strips of the down-hanging skirt and of the front panel are manually pressed together then they will hold along their lengths, dividing a major arc of the loop member into two smaller arcs each of which is suitable to receive and to hold a paint can of appropriate size.

[0050] Still further, when this a preferred embodiment of the device in accordance with the present invention is used on a step ladder with a top step at its apex then the top panel of the body of the device will include (1) a peripheral rim sufficiently high so as to form an open-topped reservoir in which can be placed nails and screws and other small things without jeopardy that they will role off the holder device and the step ladder, and also (2) a magnet, within the top panel at the base of the open-topped reservoir, producing a magnetic field helping to retain small magnetically-attractable objects within the reservoir.

[0051] These and other aspects and attributes of the present invention will become increasingly clear upon reference to the following drawings and accompanying specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way, these illustrations follow:

[0053]FIG. 1 is a first diagrammatic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 2 is a right side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention previously seen in FIG. 1.

[0055]FIG. 3 is a left side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention previously seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0056]FIG. 4 is a front side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention previously seen in FIGS. 1 through 3.

[0057]FIG. 5 is a cut-away side plan view taken along aspect line I-I shown in FIG. 4.

[0058]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the holder loop of the preferred embodiment of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention in a distended position as may accept and hold a five gallon bucket.

[0059]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the same holder loop of the preferred embodiment of the present invention now shown in a collapsed, and cinched, position.

[0060]FIG. 8 is a detail back plan view of the preferred embodiment of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention.

[0061]FIG. 9 is a detail top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention.

[0062]FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view of the sidewall of the top reservoir of the tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention, taken along aspect line II-II shown in FIG. 9.

[0063]FIG. 11 is a detail side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention.

[0064]FIG. 12 is a detail cross-sectional view of a typical major panel of the tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention, taken along aspect line III-III shown in FIG. 11.

[0065]FIG. 13, usefully compared with FIG. 1, is a first diagrammatic perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention, the second embodiment having removable receptacles and an optional carrying strap.

[0066]FIG. 14, consisting of FIGS. 14a and 14b, are respective front and side plan views of a particular, drill holder, removable receptacle mountable to the tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0067] The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for the carrying out of the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, and is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.

[0068] 1. Objects of the Invention

[0069] In accordance with the shortcomings contained in the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient device through the use of which laddermen may minimize the number of up-and-down trips required them on a given task.

[0070] It is an object of this invention to provide a means for caddying tools and materials used by laddermen.

[0071] It is a further object of this invention to provide a means for caddying tools and materials used by laddermen which is ergonomically sound, and by which considerable weight of tools and/or materials may safely be lifted all together, and without fear of spillage.

[0072] It is a further object of this invention to provide a means for caddying tools used by laddermen which is cost-effective enough in its manufacture to gain wide acceptance by industry.

[0073] Finally, it is yet another object of this invention to provide a means for caddying tools used by laddermen which is useful by tradesmen in all fields.

[0074] As an added advantage, the instant invention eliminates the need for the workman to carry heavy tools on his belt which might otherwise tend to contribute to a situation of imbalance, which could catalyze a mishap.

[0075] The objects of this invention are achieved by providing a novel fabric hood which is affixable to the top portion of the step-ladder. The uppermost two rungs (including the top rung) and the frame members of the ladder join together so as to form the framework of an essentially trapezoidally-shaped, or, more precisely, a truncated-pyramidally-shaped volume at the top of the step-ladder. The hood of the present invention is shaped so that it encloses this volume in the shape of a truncated four-side pyramid. The hood of the present invention also comprised pocket portions on its surfaces in which various tools and other implements such as screws, solder, nails, hammers, saws, wrenches, etc. may be securely housed.

[0076] An unexpected advantage of the present invention is that the hood contributes to the structural strength of the ladder, which is strengthened against failure by disconnection at and of its top pivot joint.

[0077] A further unexpected advantage of the present invention is that the center of gravity of the ladder to which the instant device is attached is reduced by virtue of the locations of the tools and implements held being lower than they would be if within a tool box resting on the top step of the ladder. This increased stability contributes to safety.

[0078] 2. Basic Structure and Theory of the Tool and Material Holder of the Present Invention

[0079] The tool and material holder removably fits to the top of a step ladder or stands upright upon a level surface including the floor. In either position it presents (i) a large distended pouch suitable to receive and hold a paint can, (ii) a walled tray upon the top step of the step ladder, and removable/detachable and reattachable units, or panels, having receptacles, hooks, hangers, clips and the like from which various tools and materials may conveniently be stored or hung.

[0080] The step ladder tool and material holder is preferably made from canvas or cotton duck, nominally of 24 oz. weight, or from polyurethane coated cloth, by processes of sewing and/or gluing. It has stiffening interior panels that are preferably made of shape-retentive sheet plastic. So constructed with the five major surfaces of its main body in the shape of a truncated four-sided pyramid, the tool and material holder has adequate stability so that it (i) may be set upon a floor without collapsing, and (ii) may be picked up with but one hand to be set atop a step ladder.

[0081] The preferred tool and material holder as is variously popularly called a “ladder caddy” or “ladder mate”, has numerous attributes. It is characterized for permissively attaching an extremely large number of various owner/user-selectable pockets, cavities, loops, clips, hangers, hooks and the like which securely hold a great variety of power and hand tools, caulking guns, paint brushes and paint pads. Importantly, the holder has in particular a major loop—maintained open by an insert with a shape memory—for holding a paint bucket, most preferably of the two gallon size. A paint bucket—even when full—may be entered into, or withdrawn from, this supporting loop by use of but one hand. The bucket is held securely within the loop with its lip exposed—exactly as desired for painting.

[0082] Thirty-nine (39) or more pockets may permissively be simultaneously mounted to the holder, a number more than 50% greater than the 24 pockets normally found in the most extensive riggers bag. This is in addition to, most preferably, the simultaneous permissive mounting of 1 drill holster, 2 hammer/caulking gun holder loops, 1 electrical or masking tape roll holder, 1 key clip, 4 general purpose hooks and 4 general purpose tie tabs. A user/owner and especially a skilled tradesman using the holder during work will, however, usually not mount receptacles and/or hooks for which he/she has no use, but will configure the modular tool holder optimally for the task(s) at hand.

[0083] The stiffening member with shape memory for the loop, or pouch, that holds the paint bucket is normally a piece of plastic. The plastic stiffening member causes the loop, or pouch, to distend when the receptacle is mounted to the top of a step ladder, making that a paint can may easily and reliably be entered into, and withdrawn from, the pouch by the use of but one hand.

[0084] This major loop is further, optionally, fitted with a down-hanging skirt, and in this case the stiffening member also preferably has and presents a transverse extension which, when the receptacle is mounted to the top of step ladder, extends downwards into the skirt, holding neatly open a pouch thereby formed, with pockets to the pouch exterior being smartly presented. The down-hanging skirt may also optionally have vertical strip of hook and loop material sewn on its interior wall roughly midway in its looping extension. This optional strip is matched to a like optional strip of complimentary hook and loop material that is located an a major surface positioned against the step ladder, The two complimentary strips are roughly opposite—180° across—the pouch of roughly circular cross-section. When the pouch is empty the two complimentary strips may be forced together, making the one, relatively larger, paint can pouch into a dual pouch for holding two relatively smaller paint cans, normally of one quart size. This “closure” or “constriction” of the pouch may be realized despite the presence of the stiffening member. The step ladder top receptacle of the present invention thus has a pouch that is optionally adaptably sized to two differently sized paint cans. As before, smaller paint cans can be entered into, and withdrawn from, the modified pouch with but one hand.

[0085] An area of the tool and material holder which is immediately over the top step of the step ladder, and which is relatively flat in use, is provided with a raised rim, making a tray or reservoir feature where small objects such as screws and nails may be temporarily held without rolling off. The base of the tray, or reservoir, preferably contains a central magnet, preferably in the form of an elongate flat bar, which not only serves to attract and to secure small ferrous objects such as nails, but to bunch and hold these objects in a visible central position where they may most easily be spotted, and accessed and picked by the hand and fingers.

[0086] The top surface also presents mounting/un-mounting and carrying handles and/or a carrying strap, preferably (i) two such handles spaced-parallel on either elongate side of the shallow tray feature, and/or (ii) one shoulder strap/harness. When the two handles are grasped by the thumb and fingers of a one hand, or the strap or shoulder harness is shouldered, it is possible to lift the entire receptacle, and all the contents thereof including any small items that may be within the tray, on and off the top of a step ladder, and to carry the receptacle and all its contents. By use of the back and shoulders, a strong man may normally safely lift, per OSHA standards, in excess of 100 pounds, making that the “ladder mate” is a serious tool seriously supportive of serious and extensive work tasks.

[0087] 3. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

[0088] A diagrammatic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown in angular perspective view in FIG. 1.

[0089] The holder 1 is preferably made from fabric, cloth, canvas or cotton duck, nominally of 24 oz. weight, or from polyurethane coated cloth, by processes of gluing and/or, preferably, sewing. The holder thus has angles that are gradual, and that may be less sharp than is depicted in the drawings, which are rendered to show the holder 2 with all corners sharp, and extensions full, for purposes of explaining the present invention. Due to its construction from flexible material, the holder 1 assumes the substantial geometric configuration of the structure to which it is mounted, or the apex of the step ladder 2. This makes that the holder 1 is in the substantial shape of a truncated four-sided pyramid (although the pyramid is not regular, and does not have all its angles equal).

[0090] The truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder 1 has (i) five major panels and (ii) one major loop, or pouch, that define its shape. A back panel 11 (best seen in FIG. 1) is connected along a first side edge to a corresponding first side edge of a first side panel (not shown) which is itself connected along its second side edge to a corresponding first side edge of a front panel (not shown) which is itself connected along its second side edge to a corresponding first side edge of the second side panel 14 (best seen in FIG. 1)—which second side panel 14 finally joins at its second side edge back with the second side edge of the first side panel 11. The top edges of each of the first side panel 11, the front panel, the second side panel, and the back panel 14 are connected to a corresponding four edges of the top panel 15.

[0091] When mounted to a step ladder (not shown), the front panel 11 fits over and against uppermost regions of the rung, or step, or front portion of the stepladder. The back panel correspondingly fits over and against uppermost regions of the back portion of the stepladder 2. Both side panels including side panel 14 bridge the trapezoidally-shaped area between the legs of the step ladder, in other words the side panels span between the front and rear sections of the step ladder at its apex. The top panel 15 fits on, over and against the top step of the step ladder.

[0092] The top panel 15 has and presents (i) a raised peripheral rim 151 and (ii) grommets 152, and (iii) a thinly-concealed bar magnet 153, all of which will be further discussed in conjunction with FIG. 9.

[0093] The major loop, or pouch, of the truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder 1 is defined by the loop, or band, 16.

[0094] This loop 16 extends, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in an arc between, on a one side, (i) the seam connecting the unseen side panel and front panel and, on its other side, (ii) the seam connecting the front panel (still not shown) and the side panel 14. The loop 16 is itself stiff (more so than the fabric of which the holder 1 is mostly made), or is preferably stiffened by incorporation of an internal member 161 (shown in dashed line) so as to reliably extend in an arc, or bow (as illustrated). There may be used as member 161, for example, a length of unbreakable plastic strip which is normally positioned sewn into the loop 16 at its upper extremity, as illustrated, to impart stiffness.

[0095] A preferred configuration of the second side panel 14 (previously seen in FIG. 1) is shown in detail plan view in FIG. 2; the configuration of the opposite, first, side panel 12 (now seen for the first time) in FIG. 3. Likewise, the configuration of the combined back panel 13 and loop panel 16 is shown in FIGS. 4-7, the configuration of the front panel 11 in FIG. 8; and the configuration of the top panel 15 in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0096] The side panel 14 has and presents, by way of example, a drill holster 141, normally of 5 ½″by 6 ¾″size. Dependent upon the receptacles mounted in the manner as will be shown in FIG. 13, various first-level, second-level and/or third-level pockets may also appear. There is additionally optionally, but preferably, provided a hook 147, and two tie tabs 140. As in the related application, and in FIG. 3, one or more caulking gun hangers, tape hangers, clips and the like may optionally also be mounted, and appear.

[0097] Similarly, side panel 12 shown in FIG. 4 preferably has and presents one or more first/level pocket 121 of nominal size 6″×10″ (the upper lip of which pocket 121 may optionally be joined with hook-and-loop fabric) and second-level pocket 122 of nominal size 7″×10″. Various other pockets, and/or third-level and/or fourth-level pockets, may be mounted. By way of illustration a clip 127, a hook 128, and two tie tabs 129 are shown. As with the side panel 14, various receptacles, hooks, holders, tie-downs and the like may be mounted to become part of the tool and material holder 1 as the owner/user desires, and as the task dictates. More will be seen in FIG. 9.

[0098] ted.

[0099] The combination of the back panel 13 and loop panel 16 shown in FIG. 4 is supportive of the major pouch 162 defined by the loop 16 itself, multiple pockets. Optionally defined by the back panel 13 are a hierarchy of pockets not shown: various first-level though fourth-level pockets suitable to hold various items, especially relatively lightweight trim pads and brushes during painting.

[0100] A cut-away side plan view taken along aspect line I-I shown in FIG. 4 i shown in FIG. 5. The contained stiffening tube 51 and stiffening panel 52, is typical of the construction of all major panels of the tool and material holder 1. These elements 51, 52 are typically, and preferably, made of deformable plastic with a shape memory. They serve to hold the tool and material holder 1 both (i) distended, and, when it is set upon a level surface, (ii) upright.

[0101] Continuing in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, there is optionally, but preferably, included a vertical strip 135 of a first-type of hook and loop material on the exterior wall of the back panel 13, and a like strip 164 of complimentary, second-type, hook and loop material on the interior wall of the loop, or band, 16. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the two strips 135, 164 may be pressed together, drawing the major loop 16 inward so as to create two smaller arcuate loops. The plastic stiffening member 161 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), should it be present, is neither damaged nor permanently deformed by this operation, which may be reversed. The sub-pouches, or reservoirs, 162 a, 162 b thus created will hold small paint pails, or cans.

[0102] Continuing in FIG. 7, the front panel 11 has a plethora of pockets. Pocket 111 is of nominal size 14″×10″; six pockets 112 are of nominal size 2 {fraction (5/16)}″×5″; and five pockets 113 are of nominal size 2 ¾″×5″. Clearly other numbers, and sizes, are possible. Part of the tie-down strap 18, nominally of size 1″ by 22″, is shown,

[0103] Finally, the top panel 15 is shown in top plan view in FIG. 9. A detail cross-sectional view of the sidewall 151 of the top reservoir of the tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention, taken along aspect line II-II shown in FIG. 9, is shown in FIG. 10. The top panel 15 has this peripheral sidewall 15 which is conventionally reinforced with,most preferably, plastic sheet 11 as shown in FIG. 10. All the plastic cord 51 (shown in FIG. 5, and sheet 51 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 8) is typically sewn within the preferred fabric material of the tool and material holder 1. Nonetheless to being inexpensive, the plastic 51, 52 is very tough, resilient and long lasting. The tool and material holder 1 will maintain its shape, and stand upright, for decades of normal use. The sidewall 151 creates a reservoir 153 suitable to accept and to retain small nails, screws, bolts, nuts and the like. This reservoir 153 is, of course, conveniently level at the top step of a step ladder.

[0104] The top panel 15 preferably contains a bar, or sheet, magnet 53 which serves to magnetically attract, and retain, small ferrous objects in the reservoir 153.

[0105] A preferred configuration of the tie down strap 18 in deployed position is shown in FIG. 11. One manner by which the tie down strap may be removably cinched, and un-cinched, is by complimentary extended areas of hook-and-loop type fastener 181, 182 which need only be pressed together to support fixing the tie down strap at a selected length.

[0106] Yet another detail cross-sectional view of a typical major panel of the tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention, this time taken along aspect line III-III shown in FIG. 11, is shown in FIG. 12. The nature of the contained plastic panels 52 at a corner joint may be noted. The preferred plastic panels are preferably pre-bent and thermally set, or else, in the case of the union of two panels, thermally welded at all joints, making in effect a predetermined three-dimensional plastic body of precision geometry. It is the plastic panels 52 more so than the fabric that establishes, and maintains, the complex shape of the tool and material carrier 1.

[0107] The method of both attaching (i) panels such as 12 a, 14 a suitably selected for their receptacles, hooks and the like, and (ii) a shoulder harness 19 (equivalently, two handles not shown) is illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0108] The detachable panels, of which panels 12 a and 14 a are illustrative, preferably attach and detach via extensive, and strong, lengths of hook-and-loop type tape material 181, 182 (i.e., the same material as was previously seen in use upon strap 18 in FIG. 11). Alignment and retention of the removable panels 12 a, 14 a may optionally be facilitated by plug-and-jack type fittings 183, 184. As will be understood by a practitioner of the mechanical arts, the affixed panels 12 a, 14 a are considerably resistant to shear forces typical from the storage of tools and material in these attached panels 12 a, 14 a, but may readily be separated from the major body panels 12, 14 of the tool and material holder 1 proper by a transverse pulling force.

[0109] The shoulder harness 19 (or, alternatively, like detachable handles not shown) is commonly made from multiple layers of the same fabric or canvas from which the tool and material holder 1 is constructed. It is sufficiently strong so as to permit the entire holder 1 and its contents to be picked up by the hands, back and shoulders. It preferably attaches by hooks 191 that mate with grommets 154. When the holder 1 is so picked up by its detachable shoulder harness 19, it will tend to closed and buckle along the elongate length of reservoir 153, holding securely any contents thereof. After transport, the holder 1 may subsequently be set upright upon a floor or other surface, or conveniently readily re-positioned and re-positioned atop a step ladder.

[0110] Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and are merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments to which the principles of the invention may be applied. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as further defined in the appended claims.

[0111] For example, the pockets may be contoured to receive and retain specific wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and other hand tools. For example, there may optionally be added a means for adjusting the tightness of at least one of the panels about the structural members of a step ladder, for example a circumferential elastic strap, or a pull cord.

[0112] For example, any of the pockets may optionally be sealed by any of (i) a hook-and-loop type fastener, (ii) a zipper and/or (iii) a conventional fastener selected from the group consisting of a button and a hole, a snap fastener, and a rivet.

[0113] In accordance with the preceding explanation, variations and adaptations of the flexible truncated-pyramidally-shaped tool and material holder in accordance with the present invention will suggest themselves to a practitioner of the mechanical design arts.

[0114] In accordance with these and other possible variations and adaptations of the present invention, the scope of the invention should be determined in accordance with the following claims, only, and not solely in accordance with that embodiment within which the invention has been taught. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for holding various tools and materials at an apex of a step ladder, the device comprising: a body in the substantial shape of a hollow, truncated, open-bottom substantially-pyramidally-shaped frustrum having four substantially-vertical flexible side walls and a top surface, the body suitable to be mounted and retained by force of gravity at the apex of a step ladder; tool and material receptacles, suitable to accept and hold tools and materials and the like, mounted to at least some of the four side walls, therein to make the body serve as a ladder apron when mounted at the apex of the step ladder; and stiffening members in the flexible walls sufficient to permit that the body, with tool and material receptacles mounted to at least some of its four side walls, should remain upright, any contents of the tool and material receptacles accessible, when taken off the step ladder and set upon a level surface.
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the body comprises: fabric; and wherein the stiffening members comprise: plastic within the fabric.
 3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the fabric comprises: canvas; and wherein the plastic within the fabric comprises: plastic sheet material.
 4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the tool and material receptacles are removably detachably mountable to, and demountable from, the body.
 5. The device according to claim 1 further comprising: quick release fasteners upon the at least one side wall of the body, and upon the tool and material receptacles, for removably detachably mounting and demounting the tool and material receptacles to and from the body.
 6. The device according to claim 5 wherein the quick release fasteners comprise: snaps.
 7. The device according to claim 1 wherein multiple different tool and material receptacles suitable to hold multiple different tools and materials mount to the same position upon at the least some of the four side walls.
 8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the body comprises: a rectangularly-shaped, substantially horizontal, top panel having pairs of opposed first and second edges; trapezoidally-shaped, substantially vertical, first and second side panels each (i) connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed first edges of the top panel, and (ii) suitable to mount at least one receptacle; rectangularly-shaped, substantially vertical, ladder-step-facing and front-facing panels each (i) connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed second edges of the top panel, (ii) connected at two side edges to, respectively, the first and the second side panel, and (iii) suitable to mount at least one receptacle; and a loop member extending substantially level with the top panel from (i) where the top panel joins with the first side panel and the front-facing panel (ii) in an arc to (iii) where the top panel joins with the second side panel and the front-facing panel, so as to form a loop into which a paint can is suitably entered and held.
 9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the loop member comprises: a shape memory stiffening element for maintaining the arc of the loop into which the paint can is suitably entered and held even when the paint can is not present.
 10. The device according to claim 9 wherein the loop member comprises: a down-hanging skirt protecting and securing a cylindrical surface of a paint can entered into, and held by, the loop member.
 11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the down-hanging skirt comprises: a substantially vertical strip of a first type of hook-and-loop fabric; and wherein the front-facing panel comprises: a substantially vertical strip of a second type of hook-and-loop fabric complimentary to the first type; wherein when the strips of the down-hanging skirt and of the front panel are manually pressed together than they will hold along their lengths, dividing a major arc of the loop member into two smaller arcs each of which is suitable to receive and to hold a paint can of appropriate size.
 12. The device according to claim 1 used on a step ladder with a top step at its apex wherein the top panel comprises: a peripheral rim (i) sufficiently high so as to form an open-topped reservoir in which can be placed nails and screws and other small things without jeopardy that they will role off the holder device and the step ladder; and a magnet, within the top panel at the base of the open-topped reservoir, producing a magnetic field helping to retain small magnetically-attractable objects within the reservoir.
 13. The device according to claim 1 further comprising: a connectable and disconnectable strap fitting somewhere under a top step of a step ladder when the body is mounted to the apex of the step ladder for securing when connected the body to the step ladder at the apex of the step ladder.
 14. A device for holding various tools and materials at an apex of a step ladder, the device comprising: a body in the substantial shape of a hollow, truncated, open-bottom substantially-pyramidally-shaped frustrum having four substantially-vertical flexible side walls and a top surface, the body suitable to be mounted and retained by force of gravity at the apex of a step ladder; detachably removable tool and material receptacles, suitable to accept and hold tools and materials and the like, detachably removably mounted to at least some of the body's four side walls, therein when attached to the body serving to make the body serve as a ladder apron when the body is mounted at the apex of the step ladder.
 15. The device according to claim 14 wherein the body further comprising: stiffening members in the flexible walls sufficient to permit that the body, with tool and material receptacles mounted to at least some of its four side walls, should remain upright, any contents of the tool and material receptacles accessible, when taken off the step ladder and set upon a level surface.
 16. The device according to claim 15 wherein the body comprises: fabric; and wherein the stiffening members comprise: plastic within the fabric.
 17. The device according to claim 16 wherein the fabric comprises: canvas; and wherein the plastic within the fabric comprises: plastic sheet material.
 18. The device according to claim 17 further comprising: quick release fasteners upon the at least one side wall of the body, and upon the tool and material receptacles, for detachably removably mounting and demounting the tool and material receptacles to and from the body.
 19. The device according to claim 18 wherein the quick release fasteners comprise: snaps.
 20. The device according to claim 14 wherein multiple different tool and material receptacles suitable to hold multiple different tools and materials detachably removably mount to the same position upon at the least some of the four side walls.
 21. The device according to claim 14 wherein the body comprises: a rectangularly-shaped, substantially horizontal, top panel having pairs of opposed first and second edges; trapezoidally-shaped, substantially vertical, first and second side panels each (i) connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed first edges of the top panel, and (ii) suitable to mount at least one receptacle; rectangularly-shaped, substantially vertical, ladder-step-facing and front-facing panels each (i) connected at an uppermost edge to one of the opposed second edges of the top panel, (ii) connected at two side edges to, respectively, the first and the second side panel, and (iii) suitable to mount at least one receptacle; and a loop member extending substantially level with the top panel from (i) where the top panel joins with the first side panel and the front-facing panel (ii) in an arc to (iii) where the top panel joins with the second side panel and the front-facing panel, so as to form a loop into which a paint can is suitably entered and held.
 22. The device according to claim 21 wherein the loop member comprises: a shape memory stiffening element for maintaining the arc of the loop into which the paint can is suitably entered and held even when the paint can is not present.
 23. The device according to claim 22 wherein the loop member comprises: a down-hanging skirt protecting and securing a cylindrical surface of a paint can entered into, and held by, the loop member.
 24. The device according to claim 23 wherein the down-hanging skirt comprises: a substantially vertical strip of a first type of hook-and-loop fabric; and wherein the front-facing panel comprises: a substantially vertical strip of a second type of hook-and-loop fabric complimentary to the first type; wherein when the strips of the down-hanging skirt and of the front panel are manually pressed together than they will hold along their lengths, dividing a major arc of the loop member into two smaller arcs each of which is suitable to receive and to hold a paint can of appropriate size.
 25. The device according to claim 14 used on a step ladder with a top step at its apex wherein the top panel comprises: a peripheral rim (i) sufficiently high so as to form an open-topped reservoir in which can be placed nails and screws and other small things without jeopardy that they will role off the holder device and the step ladder; and a magnet, within the top panel at the base of the open-topped reservoir, producing a magnetic field helping to retain small magnetically-attractable objects within the reservoir.
 26. A device for holding various tools and materials at an apex of a step ladder, the device comprising: a body in the substantial shape of a hollow, truncated, open-bottom substantially-pyramidally-shaped frustrum having four substantially-vertical flexible side walls and a top surface, the body suitable to be mounted and retained by force of gravity at the apex of a step ladder; detachably removable tool and material receptacles, suitable to accept and hold tools and materials and the like, detachably removably mounted to at least some of the body's four side walls, therein when attached to the body serving to make the body serve as a ladder apron when the body is mounted at the apex of the step ladder; and stiffening members in the flexible walls sufficient to permit that the body, with tool and material receptacles mounted to at least some of its four side walls, should remain upright, any contents of the tool and material receptacles accessible, when taken off the step ladder and set upon a level surface.
 27. The device according to claim 26 wherein the body comprises: a durable fabric body in the substantial shape of (i) a truncated four-sided pyramid with five major surfaces plus (ii) an arcuate loop extending from side to side of a one major surface; and wherein the detachably removable tool and material receptacles comprise: a multiplicity of fabric receptacles upon the five major surfaces of the fabric body; wherein the fabric body with fabric receptacles is placeable atop a step ladder; wherein a paint pail is suitably entered into, and held by, the arcuate loop of the fabric body placed atop the step ladder; and wherein tools and materials are suitably entered into, and held by, the fabric receptacles of the fabric body placed atop the step ladder.
 28. The holder device as set forth in claim 27 wherein at least one of the multiplicity of fabric receptacles is upon at least three of the five major surfaces of the body.
 29. The holder device as set forth in claim 28 wherein a plurality of the multiplicity of fabric receptacles is upon at least three of the five major surfaces of the body. 